Arcanis Animal Tarot - character design from the animation industry
Not every animal deck lets the animals actually do something. This one does. In the Arcanis Animal Tarot, each animal stands in a posture that translates the card meaning: a curious cat leaning forward, a dragon breathing fire, a dog standing loyal beside someone.
The creator is David DePasquale, illustrator and character designer for Disney, Netflix and Warner Bros. His background in animation shows in the way he positions the animals. These are not static images. They are characters with clear emotion.
What you see on the cards
The style is clear and colourful. Flowing lines, expressive faces, a composition that draws your eye straight to the animal. Each animal is chosen to tell you something about the card: fire-breathing dragons for the wands, cats for the cups, dogs for the pentacles.
The major arcana follow the classic Rider-Waite structure, but with their own translation. The Fool is a young fox, the Hermit a turtle, the Star a peacock. No puzzle, just a clear choice that fits the archetype.
The cards measure 89 x 127 mm, slightly larger than standard playing cards. The cardstock is sturdy and has a matte finish, which makes it pleasant to shuffle.
How you work with it
The guidebook has 136 pages and gives a clear explanation for each card. No long philosophical stories, just concrete starting points for a reading. For those who have never worked with tarot before, this is a gentle way in.
Because the animals are drawn so expressively, you can already read a lot without the guidebook. The body posture tells you whether something is cautious, powerful, playful or waiting. That makes the deck suitable for visual learners.
Look at the posture of the animal first before you open the guidebook. Often that posture already says enough about the energy of the moment.
About David DePasquale
David DePasquale worked as a character designer and illustrator for major animation studios. His work is characterized by flowing lines and a focus on expression. For the Arcanis Animal Tarot he used that experience to draw animals that immediately tell you something about the card.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78
- Card size: 89 x 127 mm
- Material: sturdy cardstock with matte finish
- Guidebook: 136 pages
- Language: English
- Publisher: Hay House Inc.
- Illustrator: David DePasquale
Questions we often get
How does this deck differ from other animal tarot decks?
The animation style. The animals are not just decorative, they have a clear body posture and facial expression that supports the card meaning. That comes from the creator's background in character design.
Is the guidebook suitable for someone who has never worked with tarot?
Yes. The explanation for each card is clear and direct, without detours. The images help too: they are so expressive that you can already read a lot without text.
